snopes.com: Urban Legends Reference Pages

snopes.com: Urban Legends Reference Pages

Always check Snopes before you fall for any of the warnings, scares, etc. that people send you. You're an intelligent person. Aren't you tired of being scared?

Why People Don't Listen

I had yet another client lose their data because they didn't have an external back as I constantly suggest you all do. In their case, even an external backup might not have helped, but another thing I've suggested in the past would probably have saved the day.

Their computer, modem and router were all wiped out by lightning. A good quality universal power supply (aka battery backup) like the one I have from APC would have saved the day. I've also mentioned the value of these.

So, how come my clients don't heed my advice? I presume it's because we're all the same. As long as something is going okay, we're all too busy to take time out to do something that would simply be "insurance." And we all tend to think, "It hasn't happened so far, so why should it happen to me?"

Well, let me assure you. It can happen to you. It can happen to anyone. Lightning does not strike transformers near bad people only. Surges don't happen in "bad" neighborhoods. On the contrary, bad things happen to very good people sometimes. But the bad things are less likely to have a catastrophic impact on you if you're prepared.

Oh, and another tip: Even if you have an APC unit and external backup and even emergency backups on a DVD like I do, remember to unplug the following in a storm:

• The connection to your internet provider whether cable or DSL

Now, spend 45 minutes of your life buying whatever equipment will save untold hours of grief later on.

And read my tips - whether in my invoices or on this blog. We'll both be glad you did.

About You

Do you have an About Us page?

I won't buy online from a company, especially a small business, that doesn't have an informative About Us page, and I consider myself a pretty typical buyer.

I want to know who owns the business and where they're located - even if they don't have a physical store. I want a phone number. It's nice to know how long they've been in the business. And while it isn't necessary, it's good PR to have a little about their business philosophy and/or anything that gives me a clue about integrity and motivation.

If your About Us page doesn't do all the above, why not update it to see if sales improve. And, heaven forbid, if you don't even have an About Us page, get one! Today!

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Depressingly true and clever cartoon

Vicarious Success - Thank You Clients!

It probably goes back to my being a middle child (of 3 girls), but one of my favorite things about my job is enjoying my clients' successes as though they were my own.

I just swell with pride whether it's a website ranking well for a search term (for which I will gladly take most of the credit) or because they've written a New York Times Bestseller, like Lisa Kleypas' new book (at Borders) and other bookstores
Yea, Lisa! #9 on the top 10 in its first week out.

What a thrill to be associated with and trusted by successful, hard-working artists and entrepreneurs. Thanks to all of you for making me feel like I've contributed in some small way to your achievements. Of course, without your talent, it wouldn't matter how well your site ranked - at least not for long. I guess as long as I keep getting clients who produce a great product or service, I'll keep feeling good about what I do!

Search Engine Optimization - the truth

Everyone gets sales pitches from companies offering to improve your ranking in search engines. Before you get hooked by one of them, talk to me.

I've been specializing in search engine optimization (SEO) for 12 years now and I think my results speak for themselves. If you'd like examples, just let me know.

I don't waste your money submitting your site every month to hundreds of search engines. Once your site is in a search engine, it will stay there unless your site happens to be unavailable when the search engine sends its spider out to check on your site. Nor do I deluge you with stock reports that are easy to generate and do absolutely nothing for you.

I spend time working with you on the content of your site as well as building a meaningful link exchange program. Those are the primary ingredients for ranking well.

Let's talk.

E-Mail Text Messages to a Phone - PC World

Very cool: This explains how to send an email to someone's phone so they get it as a text message.
E-Mail Text Messages to a Phone - PC World

But be considerate. Many people have to pay for each text message they receive so don't go crazy unless you know someone has a plan with unlimited texting. Or they have unlimited money.
We wish.